The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet is the perfect summer vehicle

It's a mix of style and elegance with plenty of power.

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet
–Mercedes-Benz

By

Nicole Wakelin

August 6, 2018

Mercedes-Benz conjures images of elegant vehicles with world-class amenities and the kind of power and performance that makes your heart race. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet is exactly that car in every way.

Simply look at this convertible, and it screams luxury. A long, sloping hood, elegant curves, and wide rear haunches speak to performance at the same time they convey an understated sense of style. This is a Mercedes-Benz, so it doesn’t need to be flashy and scream for attention. Instead, it sneaks in unnoticed and then wows with its alluring design.

Open the door, and leather seats are heavily bolstered for taking tight corners. They’re heated, cooled, and adjustable, so no matter your height and weight, a perfect view of the road is easily achieved. These snug sports seats are covered in rich Nappa leather with AMG badges on the front and rear headrests.

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Look down at the center console, and you’ll find an embossed emblem on the leather. The console opens at the press of a button on either side, conveniently lifting toward the driver or passenger for easy access. Tucked inside is ample room for storage and a wireless charging pad.

The leather trims extend to the doors and dash, which creates soft-touch surfaces everywhere. Available packages include wood and carbon fiber trims that add an even richer finish to the interior.

Close the door, and it’s a bit like entering an escape pod. The interior is remarkably quiet, which makes conversation easy even at high speeds. That’s a tough feat in a convertible with a soft top, but Mercedes-Benz pulls it off without a hitch.

If you’re buying a convertible, then you want to put that top down as much as possible to enjoy the weather. Mercedes-Benz helps you enjoy every moment of a Boston summer with its Airscarf, which sends a breeze of warm air out from the headrest to keep you cozy during chilly nights.

There’s room for four with equally comfortable rear seats, but there’s one big drawback: The AMG S63 isn’t spacious enough for rear passengers. Sit up front and even the 6-foot crowd can push the seats back far enough for proper legroom, but that negates any room for those in back. Even with four average-height adults, space will be a challenge.

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We’d stick to two passengers and let them duke it out over who gets to sit behind the wheel. The front passenger seat is perfect for lounging, but there’s far more fun to be had as the driver. That’s because the AMG S63 is as much about luxury and comfort as it is performance.

Power comes from a 4.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine with 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It will do 0-to-60 miles per hour in all of 3.4 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186 miles per hour. There’s also all-wheel drive, so even when you have to put the top up, it’s a car that won’t have to sit in the garage all winter.

It’s a responsive ride that effortlessly gets you up to highway speeds, and it’s equally able to provide an extra burst of speed for passing. There are paddle shifters, too, so you can take control of the shift points if you’re so inclined. Drive settings alter everything from the engine to the suspension to the exhaust note. They take the ride from soft and compliant to stiff and track-ready.

Connectivity is also a priority in the AMG S63; there are two 12.3-inch displays. The one in front of the driver serves as an easily read and reconfigurable instrument cluster. The one in the center of the dashboard controls the infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a whole host of vehicle settings.

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There are plenty of things to like about the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet, but before you rush out to buy one you might want to check your bank account. Starting price is $179,500 for the base model without any of the many tempting options available.

Those options include headlamps with Swarovski crystal accents and a Night package with a glossy black front air-dam splitter, side mirror covers, exhaust tips, and rear diffuser. The Carbon Fiber package swaps the black for carbon fiber and even adds a carbon fiber engine cover.

Inside, there’s the Warmth & Comfort package, which adds heat to the front armrests and rear seats along with a heated wood and leather steering wheel. Add a sportier vibe with a hand-sewn Nappa leather steering wheel with unique side grips to enhance grip and steering feel. There’s even a collection of six cabin fragrance atomizers that’s tucked away in a backlit slot in the glovebox.

The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Cabriolet provides a true luxury car experience inside and out. It’s available now in dealerships nationwide.